STAFF REPORTER
Thimphu
Eight spiritual projects under the Gelephu Mindfulness City Administration (GMCA) were officially approved by His Majesty The King on the auspicious 15th Day of the 3rd Month of the Wood Female Snake Year (May 12, 2025).
In a traditional ceremony held at Simtokha Dzong, the Royal Kashos—sacred Royal Edicts—were formally handed over by Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel, marking the ceremonial recognition of these projects.
These initiatives will lay the spiritual foundations of Gelephu Mindfulness City, positioning it as a global hub for mindfulness and spiritual exploration.
Over fifteen additional projects are currently in development, with more expected to follow as detailed project reports are finalized and suitable sites are identified in alignment with the overall vision for the city.
The eight projects that received the Royal Kasho are: Gelephu Dzong (Vajrayana Centre), led by the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, this will serve as a comprehensive Vajrayana training and exhibition center, preserving sacred arts and ritual practices.
The Tashi Gomang Chorten, initiated by Lam Tshering Wangdi under the guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, this stupa is inspired by the Dorjidhen Stupa in Bodh Gaya and aims to be a spiritual and architectural landmark.
Barchey Kuensel Chorten, proposed by Khenpo Karma Wangchuk, this project in Samtenling will include a central stupa encircled by 108 smaller stupas to promote peace and wellbeing.
Vajrakilaya Research Centre, led by Zuri Trulku, this international center will focus on preserving Vajrakilaya teachings, rare scriptures, and Bhutanese Buddhist heritage.
Kurkulee Centre – Initiated by Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche, the Centre will embody sacred mandala geometry and house the Kurkulee Tara statue, guiding visitors through mindful spiritual journeys.
Kesang Do Nags Shedrupling, proposed by Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, this will be a higher learning institute offering advanced degrees in Buddhist studies, blending scholarship with practice.
Kangyur Labyrinth, proposed by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon, this contemplative space will combine a labyrinth design with sacred Buddhist texts to inspire mindfulness and reflection.
Gyenyen Nyekhang, proposed by Trulku Marp, this sacred site will honor Gyenyen Jakpa Melen, protector of Gelephu, and will be modeled after the revered Dechenphu Neykhang.
Alongside the eight spiritual projects granted Royal Kashos, two sacred initiatives by His Majesty The King will commence construction immediately which includes the Gelephu Chorten, a Royal Project and centerpiece of Gelephu Mindfulness City, inspired by the sacred design of the Jarong Khashor Stupa.
The second is the Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang, modeled after Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang, this temple is dedicated to Guru Nangsid Zilnon, a manifestation of Guru Rinpoche revered for removing obstacles. The Lhakhang aims to bless GMC’s auspicious beginnings and bring lasting benefit to Bhutan and all sentient beings.
With these initiatives, a total of ten sacred projects are now underway, solidifying Gelephu Mindfulness City’s foundation in Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and His Majesty’s visionary guidance. Each of these projects is an important contribution to the City’s spiritual landscape.
They embody Bhutan’s deep Buddhist heritage and His Majesty’s vision for a place where spiritual depth, cultural integrity, and modern aspirations coexist in harmony.
“These projects are central to the spiritual identity of Gelephu Mindfulness City,” said Dasho Tashi Dorji, Lead for the Spiritual workstream of GMC. “They ensure that as the City grows into an economic hub, it remains grounded in values.”
A Royal Kasho is a formal edict issued by His Majesty The King of Bhutan to endorse major national, cultural, or spiritual initiatives. In this context, it serves as a sacred decree recognizing and authorizing the spiritual projects.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region is a visionary initiative of creating a world-class and vibrant economic hub in the southern plains of Bhutan centred around mindfulness, sustainability and innovation.
The SAR aims to integrate traditional Bhutanese values, globally accepted legal frameworks, cutting-edge design and technology and harnesses the Kingdom’s abundant green power to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development.
